Physics 105
March 26, 2003
Today we will continue our study of collisions.
During a collision a strong collision force acts between the objects involved in the collision. The collision force is related to the change in the linear momentum of the objects on which it is acting. Newton concluded that when two objects exert a force on each other, than the force experienced by each object is equal in magnitude but directed in an opposite direction. This implies that when two objects collide, the change in the linear momentum of each object is equal in magnitude, but opposite in sign. Thus, the total linear momentum of the system is unchanged:
total linear momentum before the collision = total linear momentum after the collision
We have tested this relation today by looking at elastic collisions. In elastic collisions, the total kinetic energy (0.5*m*v^2) is conserved, and this allows one to make predictions about the outcome of the experiment given the initial conditions. Using the data we collected on 3/24/2003 carry out the following calculations (use Excel to make it easier to complete these calculations):
In some cases, you may find that the measured kinetic energy before the collision is significantly different from the measured kinetic energy after the collision: is kinetic energy not conserved in these collisions? In order to address this question we have to look possible sources of energy loss such as friction. Today we will start by reexamining our "elastic" collisions and try to reduce the energy lost in the collisions. Some suggestions:
During our class today we will attempt to improve our experiments by minimizing the losses of kinetic energy before and after our collisions. We need to realize that our conservation laws only apply when we consider the velocities right before and right after the collision. You can use the setup used in experiment P17 as a starting point and use the setup window to change the setup of the sensors being used. A scientist tries to improve his or her experiments on a daily basis. Today is your turn!
In inelastic collisions, kinetic energy is not conserved, and some of the kinetic energy is converted into internal energy (e.g. energy of deformation, heat, etc.). Using the same setup we used in experiment P17 we will study today inelastic collisions (in which the carts stick together after the collision). In order to carry out inelastic collisions, we use the velcro bumpers on the carts so that the carts stick together after the collision. Following the same procedure we used in our studies of elastic collisions, carry out a series of measurements with different initial velocities. For each collision carry out the following calculations:
Repeat the series of inelastic collisions after changing the mass of the carts (study at least two additional combinations of cart masses).
The lab report that is due next week should focus on conservation laws. We have looked at conservation of energy and linear momentum for both elastic and inelastic collisions in one dimension, using experiment 17. Your lab report should describe these measurements and study the conservation of energy and linear momentum in one dimension by discussing the results of the data obtained in experiment 17.
© Frank L. H. Wolfs, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
Last updated on Monday, March 24, 2003 7:57